Page 43 of Tequila Tuesdays

“He told me that after she stopped bitching so much, she’s turned into a decent worker,” Wendy continued.

Judge Perez nodded. “And no new incidents or issues. Pauley’s treatment team indicates she’s been testing clean and appears to be adequately engaged in treatment.”

He looked up over his reading glasses at Pauley who was shaking his head.

Judge Perez waylaid Pauley. “I’ll take adequate any day. Perfection isn’t the standard.” That was one of his signature sayings, and I’d always agreed with him. Hell, none of us were perfect.

We continued through the rest of the participants, then the bailiff brought my clients and their parents into the courtroom, and we started the drug court hearing. It was shaping up to be a tequila Tuesday, and a homemade margarita was calling my name.

After drug court and a long tense conversation with Roland, I walked out of the courthouse feeling tired and annoyed. My cell phone vibrated, and I pulled it out to see a text from Damien.

Damien: Do you want to finish the installation tonight?

I expected the usual flash of irritation when someone interrupted my quiet evening. Instead, anticipation zinged through me. That instinctive reaction probably wasn’t good for my heart, but I didn’t care right then. It had been a lousy day.

Me: Yes. 6ish okay? And do you want to grill again?

Damien: 6 is good. Yes, to grilling. I’ll bring drinks and dessert.

I stopped by the store to grab a couple of pork chops and some salad ingredients on my way home. We’d decided on a wireless security system for my house, and Damien said it would be easy to install.

Gary met me at the door, and I put my groceries away, changed my clothes, and took him for a walk.

Damien knocked on the door not long after we got back. He had a six-pack of beer, a bottle of wine, and a large turtle brownie from my favorite bakery.

I smiled up at him. “Hey. How was your day?”

He tucked the wine under his arm and gave Gary a rub when he stepped inside. “We installed two security systems, caught one cheating spouse, and found the person stealing from a cannabis dispensary in Indio. All in all, it was a good day.”

I held up my hand. “Let me guess. The thief was an employee, and you caught it on camera. Probably a camera your company installed.”

“Exactly.” He sounded like a proud parent. We walked into the kitchen area, and he perched on a stool at my kitchen bar. “I also found a few leads on Shanda.”

I stopped short. “You did? What’d you find out? Tell me!”

He grinned and shook his head at my impatience. “I tracked down a couple of her friends through her social media. They said they hadn’t seen her but would put the word out for me.”

“Okay, that’s good. Anything else?”

“I spoke with a couple of her high school instructors, and her CNA instructor specifically. She could work in a nursing home or an assisted living center with her certificate, and they’re always looking for people. The pay is probably shit, but it might be better than a fast-food restaurant.”

I bit my lip. “But where has she been living?”

“No one knows. And as you’re aware, if she misses her next court date, the judge will likely issue a bench warrant against her.”

Shanda worried me, and I didn’t know how to help her.

He leaned over and grabbed my hand. “There’s nothing else we can do tonight. Let’s install your system.” Damien picked up his toolbox and the security system still in its packaging and started pulling it out.

I sighed, a little deflated. “I’m going to make margaritas to go with the beer and wine. It was a rough day in juvenile drug court. Do you want one?”

He eyed me. “What flavor?”

“Whatflavor? The onlyflavor worth making. Lime of course.”

“Laurel and Martina prefer the fruitier versions. Like mango, strawberry, or peach.”

“No, no, andpeach?” I made a face. “I need to talk to Laurel. Traditional, old-school margaritas are the best.” I ticked off the ingredients on my fingers. “Lime juice, triple sec, silver tequila—or occasionally mezcal. And Grand Marnier if I’m celebrating. That’s it. The end.”

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